Leave it to the greatest quarterback of all time with a career marked by grace and poise on the field to have the most poignant and desperately needed message of the weekend.
Tom Brady told reporters after his five-touchdown victory over the Houston Texans that he believes “that love is the greatest thing we have, it overcomes a lot of things,” upon being asked his feelings towards President Trump's recent comments about NFL protesters.
Brady on @realDonaldTrump comments - "I believe that love is the greatest thing we have, it overcomes a lot of things." pic.twitter.com/eZOvwN7kiE
— Chad Amaral (@chad_amaral) September 24, 2017
Tom Brady is a noted friend of Donald Trump and often stays out of political and cultural commentary, instead choosing to focus solely on winning football games. Today, Brady similarly stayed above the fray but offered a very special message.
“I’m not getting into any of that. I speak for myself and I believe what I believe. As you guys know I’m a very positive person. I try to lead by example.” Brady told the media in response to national anthem protests.
The 5-time Super Bowl champion stood and linked arms with a fellow teammate during the anthem today. But this, Brady said, was to show his love for his fellow teammates. “I just think there’s just great love for my teammates,” Brady said. “I got a lot of love and respect for my teammates and opponents.”
Brady, aged 40, most likely got this message from his spiritual guide book, “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom.” The book is written by Don Miguel Ruiz and has been Tom Brady’s go to self-help book since 2007. The “four agreements” are simple mantras rooted in Toltec philosophy. “Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best.” The book is scattered with references to loving one another.
Love is the medicine that accelerates the process of healing. There is no other medicine but unconditional love. #donMiguelRuiz
— don Miguel Ruiz (@donMiguelRuiz) May 10, 2017
Tom Brady’s not a politician, but his message was entirely conservative. Conservatives believe that each human is endowed with certain Rights from their Creator. As such, each human being deserves respect and love.
It is easy for conservatives to get angry at misguided liberals who disrespect the flag, but we should stop short of engaging in toxic rhetoric. The challenge now is not to meet left-wing hate with hate of our own.
I question how many opinionated people from both sides of the aisle on Twitter this weekend actually had a conversation with somebody of the opposite view, not for the purpose of being proven right, but for the purpose of understanding.
If right leaning individuals heed Brady’s advice and follow the four agreements (reminder, they are: be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best), then more likely than not, they can convert liberals to understand the importance of standing for the flag.
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